The Epiphany of Our Lord

Text: Matthew 2:2-12

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

The faith of children is a precious gift. Their faith often stays pure and untouched by the ways of the world. They do not seek truth but instead believe simply in what Jesus has done for them.

And for me as a child, I remember the story of Jesus being taught to me both in church and at home, often through reading Arch Books, those well-known, simple children’s books from CPH (Concordia Publishing House). Whether it was the stories of “Lydia Believes,” “Samson Strong and Faithful,” “Jonah and the Very Big Fish,” the “Christmas Angels,” or simply the birth of Jesus, His miracles, His teaching, His crucifixion, and His resurrection - I believed these stories with great faith; I marveled at the work of God through His only begotten Son and the lives of His people. 

Likewise, the Gospel for Epiphany is one of those Scriptural stories told to children that causes them and us to marvel and look on with amazement—the story of the Wise Men, also known as the Magi.

Now the Magi were Gentiles, nonbelievers, outsiders to Israel. They were called Magi because they were scientists, seers, and undoubtedly learned men and scholars in the natural sciences, such as the movement of stars and planets. They were also seekers; they searched for knowledge and answers in the world, trying to understand its workings through witchcraft and the occult.

In many ways, as we grow into adulthood, we become similar to the Magi, seeking answers in the events of this world. Our inherent sin, the sin of Adam, causes us to fear the unknown. We become like Herod, afraid of losing our positions of power in the world – positions within our careers, our jobs, our homes, and our church. 

We find ourselves drifting away from God’s Word, and our once childlike faith grows dim and cold. Forgetting the stories of old, the stories handed down through apostles, prophets, and history, we neglect the tales taught to us as children. As we mature and grow older, we become skeptics and focus more on our own truths rather than the truth outside ourselves— the truth found and revealed in Jesus, the child in the manger.

Now, you see, children often need guidance as they discover and learn; they need to be taught how to read. They need someone to read to them to begin forming knowledge and understanding. They also need parents, grandparents, godparents, and families to point them toward where truth is located for them, directing them to God’s Word. 

Today, the focus is often on the Magi, who followed a star high in the sky. But the star alone was not enough to lead these men to their final destination. Instead, the star guided them to the Word. It brought them to Jerusalem, but from there, the priests reading the Word of God told the Magi where they needed to go: Bethlehem. 

According to the prophet Micah, the birthplace of the new child King would be Bethlehem. So the star in the sky led these Magi to seek, but it was the Word that ultimately directed them to where Christ could be found.

The Word guided them to the Word - the Word of God led them to the Word made flesh.

Like the Magi, you also desire truth. Your presence here this evening shows your wish to know God and be known by Him. You will find God, understand Him, and learn about Him in the same way as the Magi—by listening, following, and submitting to His Word. 

The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” As God’s child, regularly engage with the Scriptures; read, mark, and inwardly digest. Know that when “the Word of Christ dwells in you”—God is present in you, strengthening you for all the days of this life and, most importantly, keeping you in the one true faith through the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth. (Apostles' Creed, Meaning of the Third Article)

On this Epiphany, we rejoice because God’s Word continues to come to us, just as it entered a world darkened by sin and disbelief—salvation is revealed to all through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Magi searched for a king in Bethlehem, but what they discovered was God.

This is also the story of every catechumen and every baptized child of God.

Historically, on the festival of Epiphany, it was the church’s tradition to bring catechumens (both young and old) into the church through the waters of Holy Baptism. The catechumens, who were students, would be led to the font. Unlike us (although it is entirely acceptable to have the water poured or sprinkled on the head of the person being baptized), they might have entered the font as if walking into the darkness of the grave, while the baptismal waters submerged them and symbolically drowned the Old Adam and all sin. God’s Word was then spoken into their ears, and the name of Jesus, whom even the magi sought, was given to them. 

In this way, the Gospel was revealed to these young Christians—the same Gospel and the name of the child King who went to the cross and died for your sins—so that you may receive the Holy Spirit and remain in faith until the day their Lord returns.

This is what an epiphany is: to be made known or to manifest. Jesus—His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, and His promise to come again—being revealed, made known to those who have ears and rejoice in hearing this good news. 

This evening, this truth is once again made known to you as you make the sign of the cross or perhaps as you help the child next to you do the same to remember your Baptisms. Then, through the singing of hymns and the liturgy, in the reading of God’s Word, and in the breaking of bread—the Holy Spirit again guides and reveals to you your Savior. 

However, if given to the world, your minds and hearts, like mine, will be polluted and corrupted, and you will be led away from the truth found in Christ Jesus. But the miracle of faith given in your Baptism calls you back to Him.

You see, the Magi were men—men who searched the stars and planets for truth. But on that first Epiphany, the truth was unveiled to them through the Word made flesh. Their response after worshipping Jesus was not to question but simply to believe and return home transformed. 

You, too, are called to depart and return to your homes in a new way. Having received the flesh and blood of Christ Jesus, heard the Gospel, and been granted forgiveness, do not go back to your old ways of sin and disbelief. Instead, seek truth in the Holy Scripture and in Jesus. 

My friends, let this news, first revealed to the Magi, dwell within you, His faithful children. The news that Christ, your Lord, has come—that He comes to save you and all who believe this certain and unquestionable truth. So, let us rejoice, let us rejoice and believe as children; let us rejoice as the Magi, for today your Savior reveals Himself to you and the world in His Word. +INJ+

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Tomah, WI